A collective gasp went through the Emirates Stadium last weekend as Bukayo Saka went down, clutching his ankle during Arsenal’s dominant 4-1 victory over Tottenham. The sight of the young star signaling to the bench sparked immediate concern amongst fans and teammates alike.
Fortunately, the initial fears surrounding Saka’s injury appear to be subsiding. He was able to walk off the pitch unassisted, replaced by a substitute in the closing moments of a thrilling North London Derby. Now, all eyes are on his availability for Sunday’s crucial clash against Chelsea.
Arsenal currently enjoy a comfortable five-point lead at the Premier League summit, a position they’ll fiercely defend against their London rivals. Manager Mikel Arteta has cautiously offered positive news, stating there are no significant new injury concerns as of Friday.
Arteta revealed the team is carefully monitoring several players, including Saka, ahead of the final training session. Max Dowman is expected to gain valuable minutes with the under-21s, while Kai Havertz is slated to rejoin full training. The status of Ben White remains uncertain, adding a layer of anticipation to the team selection.
Chelsea, sitting fifth in the league after a 1-1 draw with Burnley, will undoubtedly pose a formidable challenge. Arteta acknowledges the tactical flexibility of their opponents, noting their ability to adapt throughout a match.
The Gunners boss emphasized the importance of preparation, stating his team will be ready for any scenario Chelsea presents. He intends to outmaneuver their rivals, leveraging his squad’s strengths to secure a vital three points in the title race.
Arsenal recently triumphed over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final, a 1-0 victory at the Emirates. However, Arteta anticipates a different approach from Chelsea this time, acknowledging their manager’s tactical acumen and willingness to adjust strategies.
